Making Fries Crispier: Air Fryer Secrets Revealed

If you're looking for a way to make crispier fries in an air fryer, there are a few methods you can try. Firstly, it is recommended to cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces, around 1/4-inch thick, so that they cook evenly. You could also try soaking the potatoes in water for around 30 minutes to an hour before cooking to remove excess starch, although this is not deemed necessary by all sources. After soaking, make sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly. When it comes to cooking, it is best to cook the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer, in batches if necessary, to ensure they crisp up properly. Finally, the cooking time and temperature will depend on your air fryer, but most sources recommend cooking at around 375-400°F for 10-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Soak the potatoes in water for at least an hour, preferably changing the water after 30 minutes

Soaking the potatoes in water before air frying is a crucial step in achieving the perfect crispiness. By allowing the potatoes to soak in water for an extended period, you are effectively removing excess starch from the surface of the potato slices. This process is essential because the starch can hinder the crisping process and leave you with soggy fries. Aim to soak the potatoes for at least an hour, and if possible, change the water after 30 minutes. This will ensure that the potatoes are thoroughly soaked and that any released starch is rinsed away.

The science behind this technique lies in the fact that starch is hydrophilic, meaning it attracts water molecules. By soaking the potatoes, the starch molecules on the surface of the slices dissolve into the water, creating a starch-water solution. Changing the water after 30 minutes helps to dilute this solution and prevent the potatoes from reabsorbing the starch.

After soaking, it is crucial to thoroughly pat the potatoes dry with paper towels or a clean dish towel. This step ensures that there is no residual moisture on the potatoes, as any remaining water can lead to steam generation during the air frying process, resulting in soggy fries.

By following this soaking method and ensuring your potatoes are dry before air frying, you will be well on your way to achieving the perfect crispiness in your air fryer fries.

Pat the potatoes dry with paper towels to ensure there is no residual moisture

To make fries crispier in an air fryer, it is essential to pat the potatoes dry with paper towels to ensure there is no residual moisture. This is because any moisture left on the potatoes will turn to steam in the air fryer, preventing the potatoes from crisping up.

After rinsing or soaking the potatoes, use paper towels to thoroughly dry each potato. Make sure to get rid of any excess water, as this will ensure that the potatoes are completely dry. This step is crucial because it helps the oil adhere to the potatoes, creating a crispy texture when fried.

By removing the residual moisture, you are giving the potatoes the best chance to become crispy in the air fryer. This simple step can make a significant difference in the final texture of your fries, ensuring they are crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

In addition to drying the potatoes, there are a few other key steps to follow when making crispy fries in an air fryer. Firstly, cut the potatoes into uniform-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Secondly, soak the potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which can hinder crispness. Finally, season the potatoes with oil and your desired spices before placing them in the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

Preheat the air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C)

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making crispy French fries. The ideal temperature range for preheating is 375-400°F (190-200°C). This temperature setting will ensure that your fries cook evenly and become crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside.

When preheating your air fryer, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model. Most air fryers will take around 3 minutes to preheat. Once the air fryer has reached the desired temperature, you can proceed with cooking your French fries.

It is worth noting that the amount of time needed to air fry French fries may vary depending on factors such as the model and power of your air fryer, the thickness of your fries, and the number of layers of potatoes you cook at once. In general, plan to air fry your French fries at 375-400°F (190-200°C) for 8 to 16 minutes, flipping or shaking them once or twice during the cooking process.

By preheating your air fryer to the appropriate temperature and following the suggested cooking times, you'll be well on your way to achieving crispy and delicious French fries.

Use a light coating of oil to seal the potato strings in a crispy crust

How to Make Fries Crispier in an Air Fryer

To make fries crispier in an air fryer, toss the cut potatoes with a light coating of oil. This helps to seal in moisture and promotes even browning. Here are some tips and steps to achieve crispier fries:

• Use a good quality oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or olive oil.
• Ensure the potatoes are cut into uniform-sized pieces, preferably 1/4-inch thick sticks or matchsticks.
• After cutting, soak the potatoes in cold or hot water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This step is crucial for achieving crispiness.
• Pat the potatoes completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel after soaking. Removing moisture is essential, as wet fries will not crisp up.
• Drizzle or toss the potatoes with a couple of tablespoons of oil. Make sure all the pieces are evenly coated.
• Season the potatoes with salt and other desired seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning.
• Preheat the air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C).
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can cause steaming instead of crisping.
• Cook the fries for 10-20 minutes, depending on the thickness and your air fryer model. Shake or flip the fries halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Check the fries regularly during the last few minutes of cooking to avoid burning.
• If needed, continue cooking in batches until all the fries are crispy and golden brown.
• For maximum crispiness, toss all the batches of fries back into the air fryer together for 1-2 minutes to warm and recrisp.
• Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce!

Cook in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece

Cooking your fries in a single layer with a little space between each piece is one of the most important steps to achieving the crispiest air-fried fries. This is because giving the fries room to breathe allows the hot air in the air fryer to come into contact with all sides of the fries, resulting in that coveted golden brown crispiness.

When cooking in a single layer, it's important to not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fries in multiple batches to ensure they have enough space. For example, if you're using two russet potatoes, you'll likely need to cook at least three batches.

It's also crucial to flip the fries halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning. The exact cooking time will depend on your particular air fryer, but generally, air-fried fries take around 12 to 15 minutes to cook at a temperature of 380°F. However, it's a good idea to check on your fries at the 12-minute mark and adjust the timing accordingly.

If you're cooking multiple batches, it's recommended to toss all the fries back into the air fryer together at the end (without worrying about a single layer) and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This will help warm and re-crisp any fries from earlier batches that may have lost some of their crispness while waiting.

By following these tips and giving your fries the space they need to breathe, you'll be well on your way to achieving the perfect crispy air-fried fries!

Frequently asked questions